Active Mirror Tilt for Augmented Reality Field-of-View Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical devices for augmented reality struggle to expand the user's field-of-view (FOV) without increasing the number of mirrors or the display device area, limiting the effectiveness of virtual image presentation.
Innovation Solution
The optical device incorporates a first lens with a display device and an active mirror that is tilted at different angles during various periods to reflect images from multiple display areas, allowing for a wider FOV without additional mirrors or increased display area, using electrodes and a mirror support within a groove filled with fluid to adjust the mirror's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the number of mirrors or display device area is increased to expand the user's field-of-view, then the field-of-view is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the mirror tilt angle adjustable rather than fixed. The mirror can be tilted at different angles (first angle during first period, second angle during second period) to reflect images from different display areas, effectively expanding the field-of-view without adding more mirrors. This dynamic adjustment allows a single mirror to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require multiple static mirrors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the mirror tilt angle parameter over time. By changing the tilt angle between different periods, the system can redirect light from different areas of the display device to the user's eyes, thereby expanding the effective field-of-view. This parameter modification approach allows one mirror to cover the functional equivalent of multiple mirrors.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of mirrors or display device area is increased to expand the user's field-of-view, then the field-of-view is improved, but the display device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic tilt adjustment of the mirror enables a single display device to serve multiple viewing angles. By tilting the mirror between different angles at different periods, the same display area can present images to different directions, effectively expanding the field-of-view without requiring additional display device area.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror is designed to perform multiple functions by tilting to different angles during different periods, reflecting images from different display areas to the user's eyes. This multi-functionality allows one mirror and one display device to achieve what would traditionally require multiple mirrors and multiple display areas.
3Area of stationary object
If the mirror tilt angle is adjusted to reflect images from multiple display areas, then the field-of-view is expanded, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic tilt angle adjustment controlled by period-based signaling. During the first period, the mirror tilts to a first angle; during the second period, it tilts to a second angle. This time-division control approach manages the complexity by using simple periodic control signals rather than complex continuous control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror tilt angle is adjusted periodically, with the first tilt angle applied during the first period and the second tilt angle applied during the second period. This periodic action simplifies the control complexity by using discrete, time-division multiplexed control rather than continuous complex control, making the system easier to manage while still achieving expanded field-of-view.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively expands the user's field-of-view by alternating the tilt of the active mirror to reflect images from multiple display areas, enhancing the presentation of virtual images without increasing the number of mirrors or the display device area, thus improving the realism of augmented reality experiences.
Implementation Method 1
a first active mirror disposed in the first lens. The first active mirror is tilted at a first angle during a first period and is tilted at a second angle during a second period
Implementation Method 2
The groove may be filled with a fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device is disclosed. The optical device includes a first lens having a first surface and a plurality of side surfaces; a first display device disposed on a first side surface of the side surfaces of the first lens; and a first active mirror disposed in the first lens. The first active mirror is tilted at a first angle during a first period and is tilted at a second angle during a second period.